Businesses, large and small, have made financial contributions to non-profit, or community-benefit organizations, for many years. It wasn’t until recently that they began to increase their engagement…through volunteerism. Employee volunteer programs are becoming increasingly popular not just with large corporations, but small-to-mid-sized businesses seeking to enhance local communities and embark upon innovative business development initiatives.
Recognizing the trend, particularly through the number of inquiries we’re receiving to facilitate employee volunteer programs, here are simple suggestions to consider when developing a volunteer program at your business.
- Have a sincere interest in creating change and making a difference as a company;
- Solicit buy-in and support from executive leaders;
- Hire an employee and/or select a consultant to create community connections as well as design and manage the program;
- Set goals and objectives;
- Consider offering special incentives, such as financial compensation, internal and public recognition, gift-for-hour donations;
- Map existing employee connections, involvement, and interests;
- Qualify organizations to ensure appropriate connections and validate purposes;
- Track volunteer involvement;
- Promote corporate to community engagement;
- Evaluate employee volunteer program.
One task that’s not included, but is quite important, is to determine your expectations. Businesses which have identified and, more importantly, endorsed key expectations, such as those listed below, have developed successful employee volunteer programs.
- Incorporate with core business and corporate giving strategies
- Create a healthier workforce
- Deep understanding of employees; strong relationships
- Improve employee and job satisfaction; improved employee communication
- Network by interfacing with community leaders
- Show company and community pride
- Enhance employee recruitment and retention
- Recognize and address community needs; improve quality of life
- Positively impact profitability – 81% of corporations focus their employee volunteer programs on core business functions
Community leadership goes far beyond simply making financial contributions. When businesses become actively engaged with community needs, causes, and organizations, incredible synergy is created and becomes contagious. End results include stronger workforces, community connections, and business-to-business alliances.
Think again if you find it strange that NPcatalyst, as a corporate giving consultant, is giving away the “secret sauce” to volunteer programming. It’s possible, but successful programs possess commitment, attention, and organization. This is precisely what volunteer program consultants, like NPcatalyst, provide to its corporate clients.
To learn more about creating a strong employee volunteer program at your business, contact NPcatalyst at info@NPcatalyst.com and 775-333-9444.